At Fort Campbell, saying goodbye to the Kiowas

Workhorse Kiowa gets a proper sendoff from the troopers of 7-17 Cavalry at Sabre Heliport

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Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.(Photo: THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH)Buy Photo

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – It was a bittersweet moment at Fort Campbell's Sabre Army Heliport on Friday as the venerable OH-58D Kiowa had its sendoff celebration at the end of an era.

The troopers of 7th Squadron "Palehorse," 17th Cavalry Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, along with their families, friends and some veterans of the unit, gathered at the entrance of the 7-17 hangar watching 19 Kiowas parking on the flightline late Friday afternoon.

The Kiowa crews, having completed their last training as a group, formed up on the airfield and proudly marched to the hangar, walking through a shower from two firetrucks as the crowd applauded, and then splitting off to hug their families before gathering around for a few short speeches inside.

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Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Jordan Sears, 11, tries on a helmet, just like the one his father, CW3 Brandon Sears wears while pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment takeoff for their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Families watch as pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

Pilots from 7th Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment conduct their final training flight from Fort Campbell with their OH-58D Kiowa Warriors Friday. The OH-58's took off from Saber Heliport and flew over Clarksville and Hopkinsville as a ceremonial sendoff before the fleet is mothballed in May.
THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ROBERT SMITH

The sight of 19 Kiowas flying in formation was an unusual one. In their current role, they work primarily in two-bird teams and haven't often practiced formation flying since the Cold War.

That's how long this particular airframe has been around – 50 years through Vietnam to the present day. Some designs – the OH-58, A-10 Warthog, B-52 bomber and a few others – were just made to last.

Certainly, in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Kiowas were often a welcome sight for soldiers on the ground and a lot of people are alive because of them. While the AH-64 Apache is a battleship with rotors and the Kiowa was designed primarily as an observation helicopter, Kiowas were more often available for the ground support role and did a great job of it.

'Situational curiosity'

The 159th commander, Col. Jimmy Blackmon, has flown Kiowas for over 20 years, and he gave a heartfelt eulogy on Friday

Blackmon is a long-time Cavalry soldier and a Fort Campbell fixture over a long career, having earned his Stetson and spurs in 1991. He also commanded Palehorse not too long ago.

Blackmon talked about another feature of the OH-58 Kiowa Warriors that saved lives – the "situational curiosity" of the Kiowa pilots that made them so effective in their role as eyes and ears for the 101st Airborne Division.

"That's hard to teach," Blackmon said. "It's the pilot flying over the Kunar Valley in Afghanistan and he sees three or four guys sitting in a field and realizes one of them has street shoes on instead of sandals. That's out of place. I wonder where that trail goes; I'm going to find out. That truck's out of place there, those donkeys don't belong. That yielded better targeting and more quality reconnaissance than our Army's ever seen before, in my opinion.

"That's not because of an airframe; that's because of folks like you," he told the pilots gathered close to the front.

Every one of them stood a little straighter and prouder hearing it.

'Goodbye, helicopters'

So what happens now to the Kiowas and their pilots and maintainers?

Blackmon said many will retrain into new roles as the AH-64 Apache becomes the new cavalry "horse."

And as bittersweet as this transition is, it's part of a larger transition as the 159th CAB continues to shut down operations after being notified of their deactivation back in November of last year. So the mothballing of the Kiowas is a kind of farewell within a larger goodbye.

The 159th will close down sometime around September.

The 159th Kiowas will fly again for the U.S. Army one more time in May, down to Tucson, Arizona, and the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade Kiowas will follow in June.

Some will be sold to foreign governments and some may never fly again. Some of the pilots on Friday may never fly again.

As the 19 Kiowa Warriors lifted off on Friday to overfly Fort Campbell, Clarksville and Hopkinsville before the last ceremony, Gracyn Himes, the 4-year-old daughter of C Troop crew chief Staff Sgt. John Himes, gave them a simple and poignant benediction.

"Goodbye, helicopters," she yelled as they took off like a swarm of hornets in tight formation. "Goodbye, helicopters!"